St. Joseph County – The Indiana State Police responded to a crash on the Indiana Toll Road today at 3:55 a.m. The accident happened in the west bound lanes at the 68.5 mile marker just west of the South Bend exit.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a west bound Volvo semi tractor trailer was attempting to pass a Toyota Camry when he lost control of his truck and side swiped the Toyota. The collision caused both vehicles to leave the roadway and end up in the north ditch. The area was experiencing heavy rainfall at the time.

The driver of the semi, Bekzod R. Sabirov, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was cited by police for driving too fast for the weather conditions. He was treated and released at the scene by medical personnel. The driver of the Toyota, Linda R. Rogow, 63, of Glendale, Wisconsin, was also treated and released at the scene. Rogow was initially trapped in her car and had to be extricated by emergency personnel.

The Indiana State Police would like to share some helpful tips to help prevent collisions caused by hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, remain calm. Do not brake or turn your wheel suddenly as this may cause your vehicle to skid.
Tips to avoid hydroplaning:
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Rotate and replace tires when needed.
- Slow down when roads are wet.
- Try to avoid puddles or standing water on the roads.
- Try to drive in the tire tracks left in the water on the road from the vehicle in front of you.
- Do not use cruise control.
- Avoid hard braking.
- Avoid sharp and quick turns.

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